Huron treasurer stepping down

HURON — One of Huron Schools' new leaders is leaving in a few months. During Monday's public meeting, board members unanimously accepted treasurer Paul DeMarco's resignation, effective July 31. The board hired DeMarco a year ago. "Thank you for being with us for this big transition year," board member Stacey Hartley said. "We appreciate your service to the district and everything you've done." Added colleague Jody Mast: "I wish you well in your next endeavor and hope that your next adventure is what you're looking for." It's unclear why DeMarco is leaving his position. DeMarco replaced Randy Drewyor, who left for a similar job at Perrysburg Schools. "The quality of the school district and the history of community support for the school system were important factors for me when deciding to apply for this position," DeMarco said in a district news release last year. "I am looking forward to joining the school system and the community." Board members officially hired DeMarco at their May 17 meeting, when an official contract was approved. He started his new job on July 11. "The board of education is confident that Mr. DeMarco will bring many beneficial qualities to the district, such as his attention to detail, engagement with community, staff, teachers and most notably the board," then-board president Jody Mast said in the news release. "With the addition of Mr. DeMarco, we feel the team is complete. Now it's time to get to work on moving the district forward in a positive direction." Before his current job, DeMarco was Fostoria Schools' treasurer and has taught various social studies courses at Monroeville Schools, Oberlin College and the University of Toledo, his resume states. He earned his master's degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance, from Cleveland State University in 2018. DeMarco has more than 20 years in teaching experience, but switched to working in school finance in recent years. "I made the decision to move to the fiscal side of education recently and have been working as chief financial officer in my current position since June 2021 after years of financial training and coursework," according to his resume. "I am looking to move closer to my family and would love to make Huron my home." Shawnee auction After 20 minutes of discussion, the board agreed to set Shawnee Elementary's auction on Monday, July 17, with the beginning bid price at $1 million. The roughly seven-acre property, including the school building, was appraised for $1.6 million, DeMarco said. The possible turnover date to the property's new owner on Sept. 1. Multiple parties are interested in buying the property, Tatman and DeMarco said, but they didn't say who. DeMarco suggested the starting price should be at least $600,000, but noted the price is ultimately whatever the board wants. "This is a one-time opportunity to maximize on this asset," he told the board. Board member Stacy Hinners proposed to start at $800,000, but Hartley and board member Elizabeth Laffay thought that was too low. "I would urge us to think at least $1 million as a starting point," Hartley said. Board president John P. Jones said he's asked more than a dozen Ohio school officials about how to choose a starting price, but learned there's no formula. Mast chimed in: "Our responsibility is to get top dollar for the building," she said after hearing Hinners and Hartley's points. Hinners then proposed the starting $1 million price. Last month, the board agreed to hire auctioneer Don Sweeting to handle the sale of Shawnee Elementary. The terms of this agreement include Sweeting being paid a 3% commission from the district and 1% from the buyer; the auction will occur online; and Sweeting will pick up most of the advertising, including an ad in the local newspaper. Other action At the same meeting, board members: • Approved members of Huron High School's Class of 2023 for graduation; the ceremony is at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26 in the high school gym. • Promoted Jordan Stutzman to be the full-time instrumental music teacher for grades 6-12, effective for the 2023-24 school year • Agreed to allow teachers to help with packing and moving ahead of the 2023-24 school year as part of the district consolidation. Teachers will be paid $25 an hour and can rack up to four hours for moving classrooms on the same campus or up to eight hours for moving to a new campus. _ Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood